The majority of the public (70%) have said they remain satisfied with the running of the NHS and social care services (75%) but are concerned about future prospects for funding, a new report has found.
Research from Ipsos MORI Social Research Institute on behalf of the Department of Health said satisfaction has remained stable over the last two years.
However, while two thirds agree (66%) that the NHS is providing a good service nationally, and only just over a quarter (27%) agree that the government has the right policies for the NHS.
Optimism for the future of the NHS remains divided, with a third of people thinking that the NHS will get better over the next few years (33%) and another third thinking it will get worse (32%). This pattern has been the same for the last two years.
Funding and resources are of concern to the public. Almost nine in ten people (88%) agree that the NHS will face a severe funding problem in the future.
In addition, just over half (54%) were aware they have a choice about which treatment they receive for a particular condition. More people say they would want to have a choice of treatment rather than a choice of GP, GP surgery, hospital, or hospital consultant.
Meanwhile there has been a small but significant rise in satisfaction with social care services. Three quarters (75%) of those who have experienced social care services are satisfied with them, compared to the 71% recorded in December 2011
However, the majority of people surveyed have not thought about preparing financially to pay for social care services they may need in future. Over six in ten (63%) say they have hardly thought about it or not thought about it at all.
Over seven in ten (72%) said they have not started to prepare. These figures are very similar to those recorded a year ago.
However, opinion is divided about whether or not responsibility to save to pay for social care lies with individuals. Four in ten (41%) people agree that it does, whilst the same proportion (41%) disagree.
